Cruising the Gulf of California & Isla Santa Catalina
To Port, suspended islands on the horizon, a visual illusion produced by mirage; to Starboard, a majestic rainbow embracing the Sierra de la Giganta. These were the displays of beauty, gifted from nature to our eyes and souls, with which we started the first day of our journey.
Rain is something we seldom see on the Gulf of California and its surrounding deserts. We were as happy as the desert itself to experience this contrasting natural phenomenon, pure water nurturing the thirsty plants and animals that inhabit this remote desert environment. Sea shells collected fresh rain water inside of them, becoming real jewels of the desert.
Cruising through the proximity of Isla del Carmen bound to Isla Santa Catalina, we had a slide presentation as an introduction to the rich cultural and biological diversity of Mexico. Later on we had our mandatory drills and geared up with our snorkels, masks and fins to be more than ready for the adventures to come.
The afternoon was spent exploring Isla Santa Catalina, one of the most remote and isolated land masses; species here have managed in their own ways to survive, diverting from their ancestral forms to become new species and sub-species. Below the tide line, some enjoyed taking a close and personal look at the fish and other marine creatures. Above, exploring the lush desert was delightful. Rain has brought the desert back to life; I can only describe it as a “happy desert”.
As in every real expedition, there were challenges today. By the end of the day, the winds picked up and the swell increased in size and power. With great effort the crew and staff managed to get everyone on board safe, happy… and a little wet.
To Port, suspended islands on the horizon, a visual illusion produced by mirage; to Starboard, a majestic rainbow embracing the Sierra de la Giganta. These were the displays of beauty, gifted from nature to our eyes and souls, with which we started the first day of our journey.
Rain is something we seldom see on the Gulf of California and its surrounding deserts. We were as happy as the desert itself to experience this contrasting natural phenomenon, pure water nurturing the thirsty plants and animals that inhabit this remote desert environment. Sea shells collected fresh rain water inside of them, becoming real jewels of the desert.
Cruising through the proximity of Isla del Carmen bound to Isla Santa Catalina, we had a slide presentation as an introduction to the rich cultural and biological diversity of Mexico. Later on we had our mandatory drills and geared up with our snorkels, masks and fins to be more than ready for the adventures to come.
The afternoon was spent exploring Isla Santa Catalina, one of the most remote and isolated land masses; species here have managed in their own ways to survive, diverting from their ancestral forms to become new species and sub-species. Below the tide line, some enjoyed taking a close and personal look at the fish and other marine creatures. Above, exploring the lush desert was delightful. Rain has brought the desert back to life; I can only describe it as a “happy desert”.
As in every real expedition, there were challenges today. By the end of the day, the winds picked up and the swell increased in size and power. With great effort the crew and staff managed to get everyone on board safe, happy… and a little wet.
